2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops Season: A Summer of Music and Community at Columbus Commons
The Columbus Symphony has unveiled the lineup for its 2026 Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season, inviting music enthusiasts to the Columbus Commons for a summer of entertainment and community gatherings. The event, now in its 43rd year, offers all-ages performances in an outdoor setting, with Nationwide as the sponsor since 2009.
The season kicks off on June 13 with Ledisi, a Grammy-winning vocalist known for her soulful renditions of classic songs. Wyclef Jean, a Grammy Award-winning artist and former member of the Fugees, will take the stage on June 20, followed by Windborne's The Music of Tom Petty on June 27, offering a tribute to the rock icon.
Guster, an indie-pop band with infectious melodies, will perform on July 11, while LeAnn Rimes, an internationally acclaimed artist with a genre-defying career, will showcase her hits on July 18. The Alan Parsons Live Project, known for their cinematic sound and progressive rock legacy, will perform on July 25.
The Ohio State University Marching Band, a Columbus favorite, will close out the season with high-energy concerts on July 31 and August 1, featuring dynamic musical arrangements and a brilliant fireworks display. Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead most performances, with Assistant Conductor Elias Miller taking the stage on July 11 for the Guster concert.
Tickets for the Nationwide Picnic with the Pops season are now available for purchase, offering music lovers the opportunity to enjoy a summer of live performances in a vibrant outdoor setting. Don't miss out on this exciting lineup of artists and orchestral collaborations!